Cosmetic brand tests positive for prohibited ingredients: HSA

Yahoo Newsroom - A health alert has been issued to the public after a woman developed rashes on her face and neck from using illegal cosmetics.

A health alert has been issued to the public after a woman developed rashes on her face and neck from using illegal cosmetics.

Toxic ingredients have been found in three cosmetic products carried by the brand “Tabita”, according to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a statement released on Thursday.

Specifically, they are Tabita Skincare Smooth Lotion, Tabita Skincare Daily Cream and Tabita Skincare Nightly Cream. The products are not sold in retail stores in Singapore but can be bought over the Internet from overseas.

They contain potent undeclared ingredients, namely hydroquinone, tretinoin, salicyclic acid and mercury, said HSA. Hydroquinone and tretinoin are potent ingredients which are prohibited for use in skincare cosmetic products. The use of mercury is banned in cosmetic products as it can lead to skin numbness where as high high levels of salicylic acid could lead to dry, irritated and red skin.

Members of the public are advised to stop using and throw these items away. “The use of poor quality and falsely labelled health products including cosmetics can cause serious health effects,” said HSA.